Potential mechanism of protection effect of exopolysaccharide from Lachnum YM406 and its derivatives on carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury in mice

The study was to investigate the ameliorating effects and potential mechanism of an exopolysaccharide (LEP-2a) and its derivatives against CCl4 induced acute liver damage. LEP-2a, one exopolysaccharide from Lachnum YM406, was phosphorylated and selenized to prepare its derivatives. LEP-2a and its derivatives could alleviate liver injury, which were proved by hepatosomatic index, liver histopathological assessment and biochemical indicators of liver damage, antioxidant defense system and inflammatory reaction. The mechanisms of liver protection effect were related to reducing hepatocyte apoptosis by down-regulating expression of Fas, Fas-L and ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 as well as the activation of caspase 3/8 and cleavage of PARP caused by CCl4, which were associated with Fas/Fas-L and mitochondrial pathway. Moreover, liver fibrosis was also markedly relieved by activating HGF/c-Met pathway and down-regulating expression of vimentin and ICAM-1 as well as normalizing PHB expression. In conclusion, LEP-2a and its derivatives exhibited notable liver protection effect in multiple ways.